My husband and I have a week planned to Costa Rica. Saturday to Sunday, direct flights to and from Seattle and Liberia. We have reservations at Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. We like the idea of being able to walk to shops and other restaurants. We reserved a shuttle from airport to hotel. Not sure if we will rent a car - maybe for a few days. We are thinking of a snorkel trip to Catalina Island, Volcan Ricon de la Viega or Palo Verde, Selvatura Adventure Park, visiting Playa Conchal, visiting Playa Carrillo and visiting Playa Ocotal and its Monkey Farm. We love the beach and I enjoy a good, clear snorkel. We enjoy wildlife, but prefer not to stay in the jungle. Is it suggested we stay another week in another area like Manuel Antonio and stay at the Tulemar Resort? Not sure how the second week would go with us flying out of Liberia. Should I be consulting a travel agent? Any agent recommendations?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Kamolly

I have zero Costa Rica experience (I also live in Seattle). I would only go that far if I had at least 10 days. 14 would be better. You basically lose the first and last day with travel, so "a week" is truly only 5 day on the ground. At least that's what I do for Mexico.

We love Tulemar. We've stayed there a few times, and it's a beautiful property. Love that they have their own beach, and we saw lots of monkeys and sloths right on site. Have you calculated how long it will take you to get from place to place? Even short distances can take a while in Costa Rica; the roads aren't always in the greatest shape, and things aren't always well marked. If you rent a car, never leave anything in your car unattended since car break-ins are pretty common. What time of year will you be going?

I too, think at least 10 days.
thank you.
Kamolly

Thanks Volcano Girl!
I have read where Tulemar is cool. If we do spend another week, we may stay there.
I have Googled travel times between sites. Not excited about long road trips, but do want to see what we can fit in. Of the places i mentioned in my earlier post, which of those would you suggest I should concentrate on and which are just ok. I know that when we get there I am not going to want to travel in car or tour shuttle 4 or more hours a day.
We are looking at February 28 arrival.

You could fly on Sansa Liberia to Quepos then taxi to Tulemar. We enjoyed Tulemar as well. We flew Sansa three times on our trip, San Jose to Puerto Jimenez (Bosque del Cabo) then to Quepos (Tulemar) then back to San Jose all went off without a hitch.

Hi, K - we haven't been to the Tamarindo area but just looking at some of the places you want to explore like Selvatura - is that the one in Monteverde? I just don't see doing that as a day trip. That would be about seven hours on the road to go there and come back wouldn't it?

Thanks Dave. I like the idea of flying vs driving.

Hi Volcanogirl.
Yes, I see that could be 7 hrs driving. A bit much for me. Off the list.

Playa Carrillo is about two hours away so four hours of driving seems like too far to me unless there's something really specific you want to see there. We like Sansa Airlines too; we used them to go to Tortuguero and to the Osa Peninsula. Keep in mind that they limit the weight of your luggage so if you use them, you can't pack a lot. I believe the weight limit is 30 pounds for a checked bag, but double check me. We tend to see everything in one area, and then move on to a new hotel in the next area vs. doing a lot of day trips. February is a good time to go because it puts you outside the rainy season.

thanks, again, Volcanogirl. Very good advise. We are going to stay Tulemar and explore from there. We have all pretty much set.
thanks to all replies.
Kamolly

You're welcome - hope you have a wonderful time!